Today, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who’ve served our nation with unparalleled courage and dedication. Veterans’ Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who’ve worn the uniform of our armed forces.

Throughout our nation’s history, in times of war and peace, our veterans have stood firm against those who would threaten our way of life. From the frozen forests of the Ardennes to the sweltering jungles of Vietnam, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, our service members have faced adversity with courage and determination.

To our veterans: Your service has been the foundation of our freedom. You’ve stood guard in times of peace and fought valiantly in times of war. You’ve missed birthdays, holidays, and countless precious moments with your loved ones. You’ve endured hardships most of us can barely fathom, all to ensure that we can live in a land of liberty and opportunity.

Your unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and country inspires us all. It reminds us that freedom comes at a great cost, paid for by the brave souls who’ve answered the call to serve.

As we think about your service today, let’s also consider how we can honor your legacy. Saying “thank you for your service” once a year isn’t enough. We must strive to be worthy of the freedoms you’ve protected, to be engaged citizens, and to support our veterans in concrete ways.

Let’s make sure no veteran feels forgotten or left behind. We can all play a part in showing our gratitude. As Fourth Degree Knights it’s through volunteering at VA hospitals, volunteering at USO locations, financially supporting our Military Chaplains, sponsoring the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes for our wounded warriors, supporting veteran-owned businesses, or simply taking the time to listen to a veteran’s story.

May God bless our veterans, and may God bless the United States of America.

Kelly Mortensen, PSD
Master, Virginia District